Big Ideas for a Small Bath

Tile treatments, traditional accessories, and clever storage solutions can make a big difference in a small bathroom

Thomas J. Story

Why We Love It

Just because a bathroom is small in space doesn't mean it has to short on style. I love the color of this room, featured in Sunset magazine. I think all bathrooms should be blue or green because that's the color of water, and it's visually calming. I also like traditional tile treatments in a bathroom. I know that slabs of limestone are all the rage now, but give me good old-fashioned black- and-white octagonal tiles anytime, or at the very least subway tile, as seen here. And use gray grout, which defines the tile shape and doesn't drive you crazy as it ages.

Thomas J. Story

What Makes It Work

Marble countertops, with their cool classicism, are the best for a bathroom. And I love these old-fashioned porcelain-handled faucets. They may be a little "bed-and-breakfast" for some people's taste, but I'm a child of the Merchant & Ivory years and that's how I think a bathroom should look.

Thomas J. Story

Steal This Idea

Find some place to put a neat stack of towels in your bathroom. They're visually pleasing and give you a sense of well-being and abundance. Use the towel rack for wet towels and hand towels only.